Also my first post in nearly six months. Just completed 60 days outside India. In between passed away Durga Puja, Diwali, the mandatory 15 day jetlag, and the constant setting up and settling down process and telling yourself that it shall pass soon. In a new and alien setup it's been a rivetting experience for me in every thing
new. The water, air, the sky and the lands.
I have never seen people celebrating an essentially hindoo festival in such fervour and harmony ever in my life. Buses with Diwali message, an ANZ bank ATM denoting the festival. You get everything here.
My Delhi was confused if the air post Diwali was clean, cleaner or cleanest sans dirty minds. The iTaukei people are warm and had an opportunityto drink Kava was a Senior war veteran served in Lebanon this Diwali at Kolekars' place laced with traditional clapping after each drink.
Quite a lot coming in. So keep keep looking out by this millennial (old) folk.
Why India and Pakistan games are historically big?
India captain Virat
For A Millenial it's been a big deal for the love of cricket and regional supremacy, however good Cricket wins at the end of every high wired game. This time it's The Oval and it's been almost 2 Decades 18 years since we witnessed a proper 50 over game, last time was the t20 under MS.
Dhoni, you are here today, history unfolding in front of you. The picture you shared with a rival captains infant son will go down in the history tof India Pakistan game. You, probably will be playing your last championship. You'll of course have a different profession in Delhi or Dehradoon or any place you want, you have been privy of your private life.
Virat, Bhai Hai and the young guns (guys) shall be booming today in full force.
Ab dekhna Hai, how many wickets Pakistan can down for ( whatever) target they set.
Twitter poll ends tonight.
Who is going to win India or Pakistan?
Why the ICC Champions Trophy in its current format is a very Millenial thing. A big question also crops if the 8th ICC Trophy is its last? Will the 2017 ICC Trophy now pave way to an international test series going forward? These are the questions not known in the public domain?
With Virat Kohli winning the toss in a crucial game tonight with South Africa and bowling first, which means India will be given a role of a chaser. Will we finish just fine? We need to finish it off really well. When did ICC CHAMPIONS trophy BEGIN? Was googling Wikipedia and stumbled upon this phrase where it's described that the ICC Champions Trophy is a one day international (ODI) cricket tournament and typically organised by the International Cricket Council (ICC). It is pretty prestigious in the sense that its only second in importance after the Cricket World Cup.
Why ICC CRICKET TOURNAMENT IS A MILLENIAL THING?
Two years before the Y2K, the year 1998, when I was in class 10th Dehradoon, that was the year when it was inaugurated as the ICC Knock Out Tournament in 1998 (Bangladesh) and has been played approximately every two years since. Its name was changed to the Champions Trophy in 2002.
The Game Against the Proteas today at Oval.
Indians need not to be 'overexcited' and our captain ( a Millenial) Mr. Virat Kohli, the BBC
reports "India must keep their emotions under control in Sunday's decisive Champions Trophy match against South Africa, captain Virat Kohli has warned." All the best India. Pic Source- Google Images
As this building in the picture is of a famous pen company #Luxor, the head office in Okhla, Delhi. There are hardly any people barring the lone chowidaar, whose only business is to keep people away from his premise, fair.
What about real writing. Paper and Pen? Yesterday some friend at a gk2 restaurant was talking about his love for Kindle. The Millenial parent will understand how writing,continuously writing is important, in this increasingly digitalised world. What do you think?
As we are glued towards the India Pakistan game at Edgbaston.
It was during the 90s (In South Africa) when we saw as kids Cricket as a game can be played at night as well clicked our heads, since we missed games and we had to be in the schools. D/N in Johannesburg. Terrific. We millenials saw it coming right infront our our eyes and then came the satellite TV network. Zee TV, star, DD metro, were the first. Few Russian and German channels as well.
Pic source:- Getty
The ICC Champions trophy in England. We witnessed sporadic showers at the ground just made sure that the stellar game should lived to its expectations. We Won.
After coming from a late night gathering from east Delhi, our earstwhile dwelling place, fell the news of a 'Big Police Event' that was happening at London. How? The Independent.CO.UK was streaming live through Facebook. Imagine. Broadcasting even professional ones such as BBC, CNN, fox, sky.au et all were very soon with FB live feeds along with common people of England. It was IST a little over 3 AM yesterday.
Should I assume that social media has disrupted traditional news gathering and disseminating process and PR as well. Or should you remain positive and see that more positive information can never be negative. So how do you push all these positive energies found online towards?
Let's pray for world peace and there should be no place for terror weilding fanatics trying to change the way we people from the free world live.
The general union budget by Mr. Arun Jaitley, Finance minister this week was something like a 'short and sweet' one. The IE quotes the budget more like a Dravid than a Sehwag. No surprises and stick to the basics. The Income Tax exemption being the biggest dole out plan, is expected to raise spending in India.
While the economy is still reeling under the brunt of demonetization introduced on November 8th last year, this year’s Budget assumed even greater significance. In the past few weeks, the impact of demonization on India’s GDP has been the subject of wide spread discussions, speculation and analysis. The expectation was that while the budget would provide a fillip to economic growth.
India’s Finance Minister Mr. Arun Jaitley on 1st March 2017 announced the Budget for the
financial year 2017-2018 the central theme being rural welfare & poverty alleviation,
expansion of the tax net while simultaneously ensuring a fairer administration of tax laws,
enhancing the ease of doing business in India and providing a further stimulus to the move
towards a digital economy. In the gist the Budget has focused to “Transform, Energize
and Clean India”. The roadmap and priorities of the 2017 budget is to transform the
quality of governance and quality of life of our people.
The key tax proposals announced in Budget 2017 are as follows:
A. TAX
Reduction in individual tax rates for income upto INR 5, 00, 000/- Net Income Range (INR) Income Tax Rates Surcharge Cess (% of income-tax & surcharge)
Upto 2,50,000/- Exempt Nil Nil
2,50,000/- to 5,00,000/- 5% of (total income- 2,50,000/-)
Nil 3%
5,00,000/- to 10,00,000/- 12,500+20% of (total income- 5,00,000/-)
Nil 3%
10,00,000/- to 50,00,000/- 1,12,500+20% of (total income- 10,00,000/-)
Nil 3%
50,00,000/- to 1,00,00,000/- 13,12,500+30% of (total income- 1,00,00,000/-) 10% of
Income Tax 3%
Above 1,00,00,000/- 28,12,500+30% of (total income- 1,00,00,000/-) 15% of Income Tax 3%
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The Budget proposes to reduce the marginal rate of tax in the income bracket between
INR 2, 50, 000/- to INR 5, 00, 000/- from 10% to 5%. Consequently, a rebate of INR
12,500/- will be available to a taxpayer across all income ranges.
Individual/HUF/AOP/BOI/artificial judicial person having income above INR 50 Lakh
will be subject to surcharge of 10% of income-tax. In case the income is above 1 Crore, the current existing surcharge will continue.
Rebate under section 87A of the Income Tax Act will be available only if total income
(i.e. taxable income) of a resident individual does not exceed INR 3.5 Lakh. In such a
case the rebate will be 100% of total income or INR 2,500/- whichever is lower.
Reduction in rates for Small Companies
Since the medium and small enterprises pay tax at effectively higher rates than large companies. In order to make medium and small enterprises more viable, the Budget has proposed a reduced tax rate of 25% (as opposed to the current rate of 30%) for domestic companies whose total turnover or gross receipt does not exceed INR 500 million (approx. USD 7.4 million).
Cross Border Taxation
5% concessional withholding tax rate on interest income earned on foreign currency denominated debt issued outside India under the External Commercial Borrowing guidelines or by way of long term bonds extended to rupee denominated bonds.
Moreover, the sunset date for such concessional rate also extended to borrowings made before July 1, 2020. Further, the sunset date for 5% concessional withholding tax rate on interest income earned by Foreign Institutional Investors/Foreign Portfolio Investors (“FPI”) and Qualified Foreign Investors on rupee denominated bonds and government securities extended to interest payable on or before July 1, 2020.
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B. CAPITAL GAINS
For long-term capital gain, the base year will be shifted from 1981 to 2001. Fair market value on April 1, 2001 can be adopted as cost of acquisition if an asset is acquired prior to April 1, 2001.
Currently, for immovable property to be considered as a long term asset, a holding period of thirty six (36) months is applicable. With the objective of incentivizing investment in real estate, the Budget has proposed to reduce this holding period to twenty four (24) months and bring it in line with the holding period for unlisted shares.
Transfer of rupee denominated bonds issued outside India from a non-resident to another non-resident outside India will be exempt from capital gains tax.
Non-residents will not be subject to capital gains tax on the transfer (whether by way of sale or redemption) of investment, held directly or indirectly, in SEBI registered Category-I and Category-II FPIs.
A specific capital gains tax exemption has now been introduced for conversion of preference shares to equity shares. The cost of acquisition and holding period of the equity shares so converted will be the same as the preference shares.
For computing capital gains on sale of shares of a company which are not ‘quoted’ i.e. quoted on a recognized stock exchange, it is proposed that where the sale consideration received by the taxpayer is less than the FMV of such shares (as may be prescribed), such FMV will be considered as full value of consideration in the hands of the taxpayer.
In a Joint Development Agreement, capital gain shall be taxable in the previous year in
which completion certificate is issued.
C. GENERAL
Transactions above INR 3 Lakh should be permitted only by an account payee cheque/draft/use of electronic clearing system through a bank account. The limit of INR 3 Lakh will be applicable in respect of a single transaction or in respect of a number of transactions with a person in a single day.
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Business expenditure in cash/bearer cheque/crossed cheque above INR. 10,000/- (as against INR. 20,000/-) will be disallowed under section 40A (3). Likewise under section 80G, donation given by any mode other than cash in excess of INR 2000 (as against the present ceiling of INR 10,000/-) will not be eligible for deduction.
Political party cannot accept donation above INR 2000/- in cash.
Loss from let out property exceeding INR 2 Lakh will not be deductible from income other than house property income during the current year (carry forward will be allowed).
Under the presumptive income-tax scheme of section 44D, business income will be calculated at 6% in respect of turnover of the gross receipt which is received by an account payee cheque/draft/electronic clearing system on or before the due date of submission of income.
India is on a digital High and the 1000 year old '' game of chess' is not untouched. Come 15th January, that's today, on a Sunday, India gears up. Vishy Anand- is our Sachin of the Chess.
The 3rd ChessBase India "Vishy Anand" online blitz tournament will be held on 15th of January 2017 at 13.30 server time (13.30 CET) on the Playchess server. The tournament is open to all the players of the world. The winner will win 12 months of ChessBase premium account along with Vishy Anand's DVD Vol.1+2. The second and third places will win nine and six months CB Premium Account + CBM 175. There are even more lucky prizes! Check out the article for more details. The 3rd ChessBase India online chess tournament will take place on the 15th of January 2017 at 13.30 server time (13.30 CET) in the Emanuel Lasker Arena on Playchess server. The tournament is held in the honour of the best chess player of India Viswanathan Anand.
A Chess game under progress at a restaurant in South Delhi- Pictue taken January-2017
On the other hand, in the Tribal dominated district of Mandla, the hinterland will be holding a highest prize money Rs 5 lakh - tournament of central India from January 27. As per TOI, it is named as Aadi (aadi for adivasi) international open rating tournament, the event is brainchild of the district mining officer, an accomplished chess player who can play blind fold with 10 opponents at a time.About 200 participants including one grand master and three international masters have so far given their nod for the competition. Mandla is more than 450 kms away from Bhopal and is predominantly a tribal district with nearest railway station and airport located at Jabalpur about 77 kms away from the district headquarter.
The key (4) benefits of playing chess can be attributed like this.
1) Chess improves key thinking skills
2) Chess can improve your memory
3) Chess players are successful
4) Chess can make your kids smarter
India is an interesting country and the digital and mainline bit of games such as chess can co exist and gather the kind of interest it deserves, in equal measures.
WASHINGTON, DC — This week, President Obama delivered his final weekly address thanking the American people for making him a better President and a better man. Over the past eight years, we have seen the goodness, resilience, and hope of the American people.
A picture from WhiteHouse-FB page (“The urgency of acting to mitigate climate change is real and cannot be ignored. In recent years, we have also seen that the economic case for action—and against inaction—is just as clear.” ReadPresident Obama’s report on the progress we’ve made advancing a clean energy economy over the last eight years: scim.ag/2i8W4Kg)
We’ve seen what’s possible when we come together in the hard, but vital work of self-government – but we can’t take our democracy for granted. Our success as a Nation depends on our participation. It’s up to all of us to be guardians of our democracy, and to embrace the task of continually trying to improve our Nation. Despite our differences, we all share the same title: Citizen. And that is why President Obama looks forward to working by your side, as a citizen, for all of his remaining days.
Remarks of President Barack Obama as Delivered
Weekly Address
The White House
January 14, 2017
This week, I traveled to Chicago to deliver my final farewell address to the nation, following in the tradition of Presidents before me. It was an opportunity to say thank you. Whether we’ve seen eye-to-eye or rarely agreed at all, my conversations with you, the American people – in living rooms and schools; at farms and on factory floors; at diners and on distant military outposts – are what have kept me honest, kept me inspired, and kept me going. Every day, I learned from you. You made me a better President, and you made me a better man.
Over the course of these eight years, I have seen the goodness, the resilience, and the hope of the American people. I’ve seen neighbors looking out for each other as we rescued our economy from the worst crisis of our lifetimes. I’ve hugged cancer survivors who finally know the security of affordable health care. I’ve seen communities like Joplin rebuild from disaster, and cities like Boston show the world that no terrorist will ever break the American spirit.
I’ve seen the hopeful faces of young graduates and our newest military officers. I’ve mourned with grieving families searching for answers, and found grace in a Charleston church. I’ve seen our scientists help a paralyzed man regain his sense of touch, and our wounded warriors walk again. I’ve seen our doctors and volunteers rebuild after earthquakes and stop pandemics in their tracks. I’ve learned from students who are building robots and curing diseases and who will change the world in ways we can’t even imagine. I’ve seen the youngest of children remind us of our obligations to care for our refugees, to work in peace, and above all to look out for each other.
That’s what’s possible when we come together in the hard, slow, sometimes frustrating, but always vital work of self-government. But we can’t take our democracy for granted. All of us, regardless of party, should throw ourselves into the work of citizenship. Not just when there’s an election, not just when our own narrow interest is at stake, but over the full span of a lifetime. If you’re tired of arguing with strangers on the internet, try to talk with one in real life. If something needs fixing, lace up your shoes and do some organizing. If you’re disappointed by your elected officials, then grab a clipboard, get some signatures, and run for office yourself.
Our success depends on our participation, regardless of which way the pendulum of power swings. It falls on each of us to be guardians of our democracy; to embrace the joyous task we’ve been given to continually try to improve this great nation of ours. Because for all our outward differences, we all share the same proud title: Citizen.
It has been the honor of my life to serve you as President. Eight years later, I am even more optimistic about our country’s promise. And I look forward to working along your side, as a citizen, for all my days that remain.
Thanks, everybody. God bless you, and God bless the United States of America.
Remarks by the President in Farewell Address and here is his remarkable speech
McCormick Place
Chicago, Illinois
8:02 P.M. CST
THE PRESIDENT: Hello, Chicago! (Applause.) It’s good to be home! (Applause.) Thank you, everybody. Thank you. (Applause.) Thank you so much. Thank you. (Applause.) All right, everybody sit down. (Applause.) We’re on live TV here. I’ve got to move. (Applause.) You can tell that I’m a lame duck because nobody is following instructions. (Laughter.) Everybody have a seat. (Applause.)
My fellow Americans -- (applause) -- Michelle and I have been so touched by all the well wishes that we’ve received over the past few weeks. But tonight, it’s my turn to say thanks. (Applause.) Whether we have seen eye-to-eye or rarely agreed at all, my conversations with you, the American people, in living rooms and in schools, at farms, on factory floors, at diners and on distant military outposts -– those conversations are what have kept me honest, and kept me inspired, and kept me going. And every day, I have learned from you. You made me a better President, and you made me a better man. (Applause.)
So I first came to Chicago when I was in my early 20s. And I was still trying to figure out who I was, still searching for a purpose in my life. And it was a neighborhood not far from here where I began working with church groups in the shadows of closed steel mills. It was on these streets where I witnessed the power of faith, and the quiet dignity of working people in the face of struggle and loss.
AUDIENCE: Four more years! Four more years! Four more years!
THE PRESIDENT: I can’t do that.
AUDIENCE: Four more years! Four more years! Four more years!
THE PRESIDENT: This is where I learned that change only happens when ordinary people get involved and they get engaged, and they come together to demand it.
After eight years as your President, I still believe that. And it’s not just my belief. It’s the beating heart of our American idea –- our bold experiment in self-government. It’s the conviction that we are all created equal, endowed by our Creator with certain unalienable rights, among them life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It’s the insistence that these rights, while self-evident, have never been self-executing; that We, the People, through the instrument of our democracy, can form a more perfect union.
What a radical idea. A great gift that our Founders gave to us: The freedom to chase our individual dreams through our sweat and toil and imagination, and the imperative to strive together, as well, to achieve a common good, a greater good.
For 240 years, our nation’s call to citizenship has given work and purpose to each new generation. It’s what led patriots to choose republic over tyranny, pioneers to trek west, slaves to brave that makeshift railroad to freedom. It’s what pulled immigrants and refugees across oceans and the Rio Grande. (Applause.) It’s what pushed women to reach for the ballot. It’s what powered workers to organize. It’s why GIs gave their lives at Omaha Beach and Iwo Jima, Iraq and Afghanistan. And why men and women from Selma to Stonewall were prepared to give theirs, as well. (Applause.)
So that’s what we mean when we say America is exceptional -- not that our nation has been flawless from the start, but that we have shown the capacity to change and make life better for those who follow. Yes, our progress has been uneven. The work of democracy has always been hard. It’s always been contentious. Sometimes it’s been bloody. For every two steps forward, it often feels we take one step back. But the long sweep of America has been defined by forward motion, a constant widening of our founding creed to embrace all and not just some. (Applause.)
If I had told you eight years ago that America would reverse a great recession, reboot our auto industry, and unleash the longest stretch of job creation in our history -- (applause) -- if I had told you that we would open up a new chapter with the Cuban people, shut down Iran’s nuclear weapons program without firing a shot, take out the mastermind of 9/11 -- (applause) -- if I had told you that we would win marriage equality, and secure the right to health insurance for another 20 million of our fellow citizens –- (applause) -- if I had told you all that, you might have said our sights were set a little too high. But that’s what we did. (Applause.) That’s what you did.
You were the change. You answered people’s hopes, and because of you, by almost every measure, America is a better, stronger place than it was when we started. (Applause.)
In 10 days, the world will witness a hallmark of our democracy.
AUDIENCE: Nooo --
THE PRESIDENT: No, no, no, no, no -- the peaceful transfer of power from one freely elected President to the next. (Applause.) I committed to President-elect Trump that my administration would ensure the smoothest possible transition, just as President Bush did for me. (Applause.) Because it’s up to all of us to make sure our government can help us meet the many challenges we still face.
We have what we need to do so. We have everything we need to meet those challenges. After all, we remain the wealthiest, most powerful, and most respected nation on Earth. Our youth, our drive, our diversity and openness, our boundless capacity for risk and reinvention means that the future should be ours. But that potential will only be realized if our democracy works. Only if our politics better reflects the decency of our people. (Applause.) Only if all of us, regardless of party affiliation or particular interests, help restore the sense of common purpose that we so badly need right now.
That’s what I want to focus on tonight: The state of our democracy. Understand, democracy does not require uniformity. Our founders argued. They quarreled. Eventually they compromised. They expected us to do the same. But they knew that democracy does require a basic sense of solidarity -– the idea that for all our outward differences, we’re all in this together; that we rise or fall as one. (Applause.)
There have been moments throughout our history that threatens that solidarity. And the beginning of this century has been one of those times. A shrinking world, growing inequality; demographic change and the specter of terrorism -– these forces haven’t just tested our security and our prosperity, but are testing our democracy, as well. And how we meet these challenges to our democracy will determine our ability to educate our kids, and create good jobs, and protect our homeland. In other words, it will determine our future.
To begin with, our democracy won’t work without a sense that everyone has economic opportunity. And the good news is that today the economy is growing again. Wages, incomes, home values, and retirement accounts are all rising again. Poverty is falling again. (Applause.) The wealthy are paying a fairer share of taxes even as the stock market shatters records. The unemployment rate is near a 10-year low. The uninsured rate has never, ever been lower. (Applause.) Health care costs are rising at the slowest rate in 50 years. And I’ve said and I mean it -- if anyone can put together a plan that is demonstrably better than the improvements we’ve made to our health care system and that covers as many people at less cost, I will publicly support it. (Applause.)
Because that, after all, is why we serve. Not to score points or take credit, but to make people’s lives better. (Applause.)
But for all the real progress that we’ve made, we know it’s not enough. Our economy doesn’t work as well or grow as fast when a few prosper at the expense of a growing middle class and ladders for folks who want to get into the middle class. (Applause.) That's the economic argument. But stark inequality is also corrosive to our democratic ideal. While the top one percent has amassed a bigger share of wealth and income, too many families, in inner cities and in rural counties, have been left behind -- the laid-off factory worker; the waitress or health care worker who’s just barely getting by and struggling to pay the bills -- convinced that the game is fixed against them, that their government only serves the interests of the powerful -- that's a recipe for more cynicism and polarization in our politics.
But there are no quick fixes to this long-term trend. I agree, our trade should be fair and not just free. But the next wave of economic dislocations won’t come from overseas. It will come from the relentless pace of automation that makes a lot of good, middle-class jobs obsolete.
And so we're going to have to forge a new social compact to guarantee all our kids the education they need -- (applause) -- to give workers the power to unionize for better wages; to update the social safety net to reflect the way we live now, and make more reforms to the tax code so corporations and individuals who reap the most from this new economy don’t avoid their obligations to the country that’s made their very success possible. (Applause.)
We can argue about how to best achieve these goals. But we can’t be complacent about the goals themselves. For if we don’t create opportunity for all people, the disaffection and division that has stalled our progress will only sharpen in years to come.
There’s a second threat to our democracy -- and this one is as old as our nation itself. After my election, there was talk of a post-racial America. And such a vision, however well-intended, was never realistic. Race remains a potent and often divisive force in our society. Now, I’ve lived long enough to know that race relations are better than they were 10, or 20, or 30 years ago, no matter what some folks say. (Applause.) You can see it not just in statistics, you see it in the attitudes of young Americans across the political spectrum.
But we’re not where we need to be. And all of us have more work to do. (Applause.) If every economic issue is framed as a struggle between a hardworking white middle class and an undeserving minority, then workers of all shades are going to be left fighting for scraps while the wealthy withdraw further into their private enclaves. (Applause.) If we're unwilling to invest in the children of immigrants, just because they don’t look like us, we will diminish the prospects of our own children -- because those brown kids will represent a larger and larger share of America’s workforce. (Applause.) And we have shown that our economy doesn’t have to be a zero-sum game. Last year, incomes rose for all races, all age groups, for men and for women.
So if we're going to be serious about race going forward, we need to uphold laws against discrimination -- in hiring, and in housing, and in education, and in the criminal justice system. (Applause.) That is what our Constitution and our highest ideals require. (Applause.)
But laws alone won’t be enough. Hearts must change. It won't change overnight. Social attitudes oftentimes take generations to change. But if our democracy is to work in this increasingly diverse nation, then each one of us need to try to heed the advice of a great character in American fiction -- Atticus Finch -- (applause) -- who said “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view…until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.”
For blacks and other minority groups, it means tying our own very real struggles for justice to the challenges that a lot of people in this country face -- not only the refugee, or the immigrant, or the rural poor, or the transgender American, but also the middle-aged white guy who, from the outside, may seem like he’s got advantages, but has seen his world upended by economic and cultural and technological change. We have to pay attention, and listen. (Applause.)
For white Americans, it means acknowledging that the effects of slavery and Jim Crow didn’t suddenly vanish in the ‘60s -- (applause) -- that when minority groups voice discontent, they’re not just engaging in reverse racism or practicing political correctness. When they wage peaceful protest, they’re not demanding special treatment but the equal treatment that our Founders promised. (Applause.)
For native-born Americans, it means reminding ourselves that the stereotypes about immigrants today were said, almost word for word, about the Irish, and Italians, and Poles -- who it was said we're going to destroy the fundamental character of America. And as it turned out, America wasn’t weakened by the presence of these newcomers; these newcomers embraced this nation’s creed, and this nation was strengthened. (Applause.)
So regardless of the station that we occupy, we all have to try harder. We all have to start with the premise that each of our fellow citizens loves this country just as much as we do; that they value hard work and family just like we do; that their children are just as curious and hopeful and worthy of love as our own. (Applause.)
And that's not easy to do. For too many of us, it’s become safer to retreat into our own bubbles, whether in our neighborhoods or on college campuses, or places of worship, or especially our social media feeds, surrounded by people who look like us and share the same political outlook and never challenge our assumptions. The rise of naked partisanship, and increasing economic and regional stratification, the splintering of our media into a channel for every taste -- all this makes this great sorting seem natural, even inevitable. And increasingly, we become so secure in our bubbles that we start accepting only information, whether it's true or not, that fits our opinions, instead of basing our opinions on the evidence that is out there. (Applause.)
And this trend represents a third threat to our democracy. But politics is a battle of ideas. That’s how our democracy was designed. In the course of a healthy debate, we prioritize different goals, and the different means of reaching them. But without some common baseline of facts, without a willingness to admit new information, and concede that your opponent might be making a fair point, and that science and reason matter -- (applause) -- then we're going to keep talking past each other, and we'll make common ground and compromise impossible. (Applause.)
And isn’t that part of what so often makes politics dispiriting? How can elected officials rage about deficits when we propose to spend money on preschool for kids, but not when we’re cutting taxes for corporations? (Applause.) How do we excuse ethical lapses in our own party, but pounce when the other party does the same thing? It’s not just dishonest, this selective sorting of the facts; it’s self-defeating. Because, as my mother used to tell me, reality has a way of catching up with you. (Applause.)
Take the challenge of climate change. In just eight years, we’ve halved our dependence on foreign oil; we’ve doubled our renewable energy; we've led the world to an agreement that has the promise to save this planet. (Applause.) But without bolder action, our children won’t have time to debate the existence of climate change. They’ll be busy dealing with its effects: more environmental disasters, more economic disruptions, waves of climate refugees seeking sanctuary.
Now, we can and should argue about the best approach to solve the problem. But to simply deny the problem not only betrays future generations, it betrays the essential spirit of this country -- the essential spirit of innovation and practical problem-solving that guided our Founders. (Applause.)
It is that spirit, born of the Enlightenment, that made us an economic powerhouse -- the spirit that took flight at Kitty Hawk and Cape Canaveral; the spirit that cures disease and put a computer in every pocket.
It’s that spirit -- a faith in reason, and enterprise, and the primacy of right over might -- that allowed us to resist the lure of fascism and tyranny during the Great Depression; that allowed us to build a post-World War II order with other democracies, an order based not just on military power or national affiliations but built on principles -- the rule of law, human rights, freedom of religion, and speech, and assembly, and an independent press. (Applause.)
That order is now being challenged -- first by violent fanatics who claim to speak for Islam; more recently by autocrats in foreign capitals who see free markets and open democracies and and civil society itself as a threat to their power. The peril each poses to our democracy is more far-reaching than a car bomb or a missile. It represents the fear of change; the fear of people who look or speak or pray differently; a contempt for the rule of law that holds leaders accountable; an intolerance of dissent and free thought; a belief that the sword or the gun or the bomb or the propaganda machine is the ultimate arbiter of what’s true and what’s right.
Because of the extraordinary courage of our men and women in uniform, because of our intelligence officers, and law enforcement, and diplomats who support our troops -- (applause)
-- no foreign terrorist organization has successfully planned and executed an attack on our homeland these past eight years. (Applause.) And although Boston and Orlando and San Bernardino and Fort Hood remind us of how dangerous radicalization can be, our law enforcement agencies are more effective and vigilant than ever. We have taken out tens of thousands of terrorists -- including bin Laden. (Applause.) The global coalition we’re leading against ISIL has taken out their leaders, and taken away about half their territory. ISIL will be destroyed, and no one who threatens America will ever be safe. (Applause.)
And to all who serve or have served, it has been the honor of my lifetime to be your Commander-in-Chief. And we all owe you a deep debt of gratitude. (Applause.)
But protecting our way of life, that's not just the job of our military. Democracy can buckle when we give in to fear. So, just as we, as citizens, must remain vigilant against external aggression, we must guard against a weakening of the values that make us who we are. (Applause.)
And that’s why, for the past eight years, I’ve worked to put the fight against terrorism on a firmer legal footing. That’s why we’ve ended torture, worked to close Gitmo, reformed our laws governing surveillance to protect privacy and civil liberties. (Applause.) That’s why I reject discrimination against Muslim Americans, who are just as patriotic as we are. (Applause.)
That’s why we cannot withdraw from big global fights -- to expand democracy, and human rights, and women’s rights, and LGBT rights. No matter how imperfect our efforts, no matter how expedient ignoring such values may seem, that's part of defending America. For the fight against extremism and intolerance and sectarianism and chauvinism are of a piece with the fight against authoritarianism and nationalist aggression. If the scope of freedom and respect for the rule of law shrinks around the world, the likelihood of war within and between nations increases, and our own freedoms will eventually be threatened.
So let’s be vigilant, but not afraid. (Applause.) ISIL will try to kill innocent people. But they cannot defeat America unless we betray our Constitution and our principles in the fight. (Applause.) Rivals like Russia or China cannot match our influence around the world -- unless we give up what we stand for -- (applause) -- and turn ourselves into just another big country that bullies smaller neighbors.
Which brings me to my final point: Our democracy is threatened whenever we take it for granted. (Applause.) All of us, regardless of party, should be throwing ourselves into the task of rebuilding our democratic institutions. (Applause.) When voting rates in America are some of the lowest among advanced democracies, we should be making it easier, not harder, to vote. (Applause.) When trust in our institutions is low, we should reduce the corrosive influence of money in our politics, and insist on the principles of transparency and ethics in public service. (Applause.) When Congress is dysfunctional, we should draw our congressional districts to encourage politicians to cater to common sense and not rigid extremes. (Applause.)
But remember, none of this happens on its own. All of this depends on our participation; on each of us accepting the responsibility of citizenship, regardless of which way the pendulum of power happens to be swinging.
Our Constitution is a remarkable, beautiful gift. But it’s really just a piece of parchment. It has no power on its own. We, the people, give it power. (Applause.) We, the people, give it meaning. With our participation, and with the choices that we make, and the alliances that we forge. (Applause.) Whether or not we stand up for our freedoms. Whether or not we respect and enforce the rule of law. That's up to us. America is no fragile thing. But the gains of our long journey to freedom are not assured.
In his own farewell address, George Washington wrote that self-government is the underpinning of our safety, prosperity, and liberty, but “from different causes and from different quarters much pains will be taken…to weaken in your minds the conviction of this truth.” And so we have to preserve this truth with “jealous anxiety;” that we should reject “the first dawning of every attempt to alienate any portion of our country from the rest or to enfeeble the sacred ties” that make us one. (Applause.)
America, we weaken those ties when we allow our political dialogue to become so corrosive that people of good character aren't even willing to enter into public service; so coarse with rancor that Americans with whom we disagree are seen not just as misguided but as malevolent. We weaken those ties when we define some of us as more American than others; when we write off the whole system as inevitably corrupt, and when we sit back and blame the leaders we elect without examining our own role in electing them. (Applause.)
It falls to each of us to be those those anxious, jealous guardians of our democracy; to embrace the joyous task we’ve been given to continually try to improve this great nation of ours. Because for all our outward differences, we, in fact, all share the same proud title, the most important office in a democracy: Citizen. (Applause.) Citizen.
So, you see, that’s what our democracy demands. It needs you. Not just when there’s an election, not just when your own narrow interest is at stake, but over the full span of a lifetime. If you’re tired of arguing with strangers on the Internet, try talking with one of them in real life. (Applause.) If something needs fixing, then lace up your shoes and do some organizing. (Applause.) If you’re disappointed by your elected officials, grab a clipboard, get some signatures, and run for office yourself. (Applause.) Show up. Dive in. Stay at it.
Sometimes you’ll win. Sometimes you’ll lose. Presuming a reservoir of goodness in other people, that can be a risk, and there will be times when the process will disappoint you. But for those of us fortunate enough to have been a part of this work, and to see it up close, let me tell you, it can energize and inspire. And more often than not, your faith in America -- and in Americans -- will be confirmed. (Applause.)
Mine sure has been. Over the course of these eight years, I’ve seen the hopeful faces of young graduates and our newest military officers. I have mourned with grieving families searching for answers, and found grace in a Charleston church. I’ve seen our scientists help a paralyzed man regain his sense of touch. I've seen wounded warriors who at points were given up for dead walk again. I’ve seen our doctors and volunteers rebuild after earthquakes and stop pandemics in their tracks. I’ve seen the youngest of children remind us through their actions and through their generosity of our obligations to care for refugees, or work for peace, and, above all, to look out for each other. (Applause.)
So that faith that I placed all those years ago, not far from here, in the power of ordinary Americans to bring about change -- that faith has been rewarded in ways I could not have possibly imagined. And I hope your faith has, too. Some of you here tonight or watching at home, you were there with us in 2004, in 2008, 2012 -- (applause) -- maybe you still can’t believe we pulled this whole thing off. Let me tell you, you're not the only ones. (Laughter.)
Michelle -- (applause) -- Michelle LaVaughn Robinson, girl of the South Side -- (applause) -- for the past 25 years, you have not only been my wife and mother of my children, you have been my best friend. (Applause.) You took on a role you didn’t ask for and you made it your own, with grace and with grit and with style and good humor. (Applause.) You made the White House a place that belongs to everybody. (Applause.) And the new generation sets its sights higher because it has you as a role model. (Applause.) So you have made me proud. And you have made the country proud. (Applause.)
Malia and Sasha, under the strangest of circumstances, you have become two amazing young women. You are smart and you are beautiful, but more importantly, you are kind and you are thoughtful and you are full of passion. (Applause.) You wore the burden of years in the spotlight so easily. Of all that I’ve done in my life, I am most proud to be your dad. (Applause.)
To Joe Biden -- (applause) -- the scrappy kid from Scranton who became Delaware’s favorite son -- you were the first decision I made as a nominee, and it was the best. (Applause.) Not just because you have been a great Vice President, but because in the bargain, I gained a brother. And we love you and Jill like family, and your friendship has been one of the great joys of our lives. (Applause.)
To my remarkable staff: For eight years -- and for some of you, a whole lot more -- I have drawn from your energy, and every day I tried to reflect back what you displayed -- heart, and character, and idealism. I’ve watched you grow up, get married, have kids, start incredible new journeys of your own. Even when times got tough and frustrating, you never let Washington get the better of you. You guarded against cynicism. And the only thing that makes me prouder than all the good that we’ve done is the thought of all the amazing things that you’re going to achieve from here. (Applause.)
And to all of you out there -- every organizer who moved to an unfamiliar town, every kind family who welcomed them in, every volunteer who knocked on doors, every young person who cast a ballot for the first time, every American who lived and breathed the hard work of change -- you are the best supporters and organizers anybody could ever hope for, and I will be forever grateful. (Applause.) Because you did change the world. (Applause.) You did.
And that’s why I leave this stage tonight even more optimistic about this country than when we started. Because I know our work has not only helped so many Americans, it has inspired so many Americans -- especially so many young people out there -- to believe that you can make a difference -- (applause) -- to hitch your wagon to something bigger than yourselves.
Let me tell you, this generation coming up -- unselfish, altruistic, creative, patriotic -- I’ve seen you in every corner of the country. You believe in a fair, and just, and inclusive America. (Applause.) You know that constant change has been America’s hallmark; that it's not something to fear but something to embrace. You are willing to carry this hard work of democracy forward. You’ll soon outnumber all of us, and I believe as a result the future is in good hands. (Applause.)
My fellow Americans, it has been the honor of my life to serve you. (Applause.) I won’t stop. In fact, I will be right there with you, as a citizen, for all my remaining days. But for now, whether you are young or whether you're young at heart, I do have one final ask of you as your President -- the same thing I asked when you took a chance on me eight years ago. I'm asking you to believe. Not in my ability to bring about change -- but in yours.
I am asking you to hold fast to that faith written into our founding documents; that idea whispered by slaves and abolitionists; that spirit sung by immigrants and homesteaders and those who marched for justice; that creed reaffirmed by those who planted flags from foreign battlefields to the surface of the moon; a creed at the core of every American whose story is not yet written: Yes, we can. (Applause.)
Yes, we did. Yes, we can. (Applause.)
Thank you. God bless you. May God continue to bless the United States of America. (Applause.)
new. The water, air, the sky and the lands.
